Conhecendo a Mata de Cazuzinha: um fragmento de floresta urbana de Mata Atlântica na Cidade de Cruz das Almas – BA

Abstract

The process of urbanization has altered the relations between man and natural environments. The development of cities, tied to the intensification of agriculture and the growth of industrial activities, were crucial factors for the fragmentation of natural ecosystems. Among the most threatened biomes is the Atlantic Forest, distributed in 17 Brazilian states, responsible for housing some of the remaining remnants of the biome. Many of these can be considered as Urban Forests, define as records of natural vegetation surrounded by the urban matrix. Knowing the ecosystem structure, and the anthropic impacts that affect these fragments, is of crucial importance for conservation strategies and collective awareness. The present study sought to address the current situation of the urban fragment of the Atlantic Forest, known as Mata de Cazuzinha, located in Cruz das Almas - BA; describing its history, and its physiosociological physiognomy. The study was divided into two chapters: the first presented the historical trajectory of deforestation that influenced the current state of the Forest. An exploratory research was carried out due to the scarcity of data on the subject. The data were based on documents contained in the City's Municipal Library; an interview; and a document structured by a member of the family that owned the old Farm, which housed Cazuzinha. The results found revealed severe disturbances in the past; activities such as agriculture, real estate speculation, fires, garbage disposal, and the constant presence of trails, were latent in the fragment, where many of these even persist to this day. For chapter 2, a phytosociological study on the horizontal and vertical structures of the remnant was carried out. Data collection was performed using the quadrant method, where 117 points were established, and arboreal individuals with PAP >15 were plated, and had their perimeters spreadsheeted. The heights were defined by a meter. In addition, a fertile branch of each individual included was collected for further morphotyping. Descriptors such as absolute density (AD), relative density (DR), absolute frequency (AF), relative frequency (RF); absolute dominance (DoA) and relative dominance (DoR) were calculated, in addition to the importance value (VI) of each species. The results showed a density of 621.83 ind./ha. The basal area found, when compared to a more conserved fragment, was considered low. The floristic composition remains well structured; despite this, the predominant species represented by the highest values of importance are considered characteristics of the initial succession processes. The diametric classes on the other hand presented a good distribution, represented by the inverted "J" pattern; and stratification was characterized by very varied height bands between the strata. Its history of degradation, and a delaging physiognomic structure in some ways, indicate that the “Mata de Cazuzinha” is in a state of significant degradation, expressing the need for conservation strategies that encompass a management plan and activities that stimulate popular awareness.